Cochlear implant: when is it indicated and how does it work?

Have you ever heard of cochlear implantBut you still don't understand how it works? Then you've come to the right place.

The implant is a small device, part of which is surgically implanted into the patient's head. This device possesses transformative technology, capable of patients who hear no sound at allListen again.

Here, in this text, you can understand the indications, how it works, and whether this surgery is worthwhile. Interested? Let's go!

When is a cochlear implant indicated?

The cochlear implant (IC) é uma prótese eletrônica que, por meio de uma cirurgia, é colocada no ouvido interno. 

In general, the device is indicated for more severe cases, when there is insufficient perception of sounds, even when they are amplified by a conventional hearing aid.

This can happen, for example, due to the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, genetic diseases, and other health problems.

In a functional auditory system, the cochlea—a small, snail-shell-shaped bone—has the function of transforming the vibration of the other small bones in the ear into electrical signals destined for the brain.

When a person has significant hearing loss, they may be eligible for the use of a 'bionic ear'. 

Learn about the recommendations, according to the Ministry of Health:

• surdez bilateral profunda, com domínio de um código linguístico;
• lack of response to treatment with a hearing aid;
• adequação e motivação ao uso do IC (experiência com aparelhos, família preparada para o uso do implante, etc.).

Vale lembrar que a idade mínima para essa opção de tratamento, normalmente, é de 6 anos de idade. Porém, nos casos de surdez congênita, é possível fazer a cirurgia a partir de 1 ano.

There are few contraindications, such as other health reasons (uncontrolled heart disease, for example), lack of rehabilitation using the oral method, and alterations in the cochlear nerve. 

How does the device work?

We can divide the cochlear implant in two main parts:

External region

It is the part that sits on the surface of the patient's head, similar to a traditional hearing aid. It receives sound, like a microphone, converts it into electrical impulses, and transmits them through the skin to the inner region of the cochlear implant.

Inner region

It's the part that's surgically implanted in the patient. It consists of a receiver, which is placed under the skin, and a group of electrodes, located in the inner ear—which fulfills the role of the cochlea, remember?

The current received by the outer portion of the implant then reaches the inner part, and the patient hears better.

How is cochlear implant surgery performed?

The patient is admitted to the hospital the day before the surgical procedure, and the implantation of the cochlear implant is generally simple, performed through an incision behind the ear. It is considered a minimally invasive surgery.

The operation lasts about two hours, is performed under general anesthesia, and the patient is discharged the following day. Here's how the post-operative period works:

• Dressing removal: two days after surgery;
• Removal of stitches: one week later;
• Cochlear implant activation: after healing.

Is this surgery worth it? 

Patients with severe hearing loss face a range of daily challenges, some of which also affect their families. These challenges include controlling their voice, hearing a dripping faucet, closing doors without slamming them shut, and many others.

But these difficulties are practically solved through the implant, which restores hearing ability.

One of the few drawbacks of the device, according to reports, is that the perception of sounds becomes somewhat metallic, as if robotic. Which makes sense, since the internal region functions like a computer, processing sounds.

But these same patients understand that this limitation is just a detail, which is not comparable to The benefit of regaining the ability to hear.

In this article, you saw that cochlear implants are not such an uncommon therapeutic option. Although it involves a surgical procedure, the treatment provides transformative results. Therefore, it is important to seek further information. specialized help In any case of deafness, there are possibilities of recovering it.

And you, have your questions about cochlear implants been answered? If you still have any, leave your comment below!